Alder works great! If you are using a grill, wrap the underside of the plank with tinfoil, use some oil on the top of the plank. Preheat the plank by putting it in the oven, turn the oven on to 350 and when the oven reaches temperature put the fish on the plank and put the whole deal on the grill. A little lemon pepper, butter, garlic and white wine on the fish while cooking just makes it better. Halibut on a plank is great as well. I remove the skin before cooking.

I bought some alder at Crosscut Hardwoods in Seattle and routed out a depression in the plank, that way it holds the juices and keeps everything moist.

Enjoy!